2026-01-04T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulations are uncertain at this time but may range from 1 to 3 feet above 5500 feet. Locally higher amounts are possible at higher elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations remain above pass level through Friday afternoon, then drop to 5500 to 6500 feet late Friday night into Saturday.
Soda Springs Ski Report
4.7/5 (2 Ratings)Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year with fresh powder and thrilling turns at Soda Springs, where a storm is brewing just in time for your holiday ride. Soda Springs ski resort in California offers a family-friendly skiing experience with a variety of beginner and intermediate trails, including the longest ski run in the Sierra Nevada.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
As of the morning of December 31, the base snowpack sits at 35 inches—lower than average for this time of year—but don’t let that fool you. The real story is in the forecast: nearly 12 inches are expected over the next 72 hours, and a staggering 79 inches could blanket the resort within five days. With overnight temps hovering right at freezing (31.3°F), those incoming clouds are poised to drop snow, not rain—ideal for both skiers and the mountain itself.
Despite the lighter-than-average snowpack, the resort remains open and fully operational. Thanks to pioneering innovation, Soda Springs is the first California resort to supplement natural snowfall with snow made from recycled wastewater—ensuring consistent terrain coverage while conserving precious resources. Families can enjoy the epic snow tubing hill, a local favorite, while advanced skiers look ahead to deeper coverage with the incoming storm. As roads have recently reopened following a nearby crash on I-80, be sure to check travel conditions. With fresh snow on the horizon and the charm of a Sierra winter town, there’s no better place to celebrate the close of 2025.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Css Lab.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Css Lab
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Soda Springs.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Soda Springs
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Soda Springs impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Soda Springs Ski Resort is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The resort is situated near the Donner Summit, which is part of the larger Tahoe National Forest. The area is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, including views of Castle Peak and the surrounding peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
The ski resort itself features a variety of ski runs and terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and more challenging terrain for advanced skiers. The resort also offers snow tubing and other winter activities for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of Soda Springs Ski Resort in California offer a picturesque backdrop for outdoor winter recreation and a unique experience for visitors to enjoy.
It also boasts a Snow Park for children and a tubing hill. A lesser-known fact is that Soda Springs was one of the first ski resorts in California, opening in 1935. For beginners, the resort offers lessons and a dedicated beginner area with easy-to-navigate slopes. The best apres ski bar is the Belt Room Bar, located in the historic lodge, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 1800 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2042 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 200 Acres |
Established | 1935 |
Run Count | 16 Trails |
Soda Springs FAQ
How much snow did Soda Springs receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Soda Springs today?
Weather today, a 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 2pm. areas of fog after 5pm. otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 45. light east wind. new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Soda Springs this week?
Soda Springs is expected to receive up to 79.75" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Soda Springs?
Boreal Mountain Resort
Donner Ski Ranch
Sugar Bowl Resort
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California ski resorts are in for a powder-packed stretch, with the heaviest snow forecasts targeting the central and northern Sierra. Palisades Tahoe leads the charge, with nearby sensors like Squaw Valley G.C., Ward Creek #3, and CSS Lab reporting 5-day snowfall forecasts of 71", 62", and 79" respectively. Independence Lake and Truckee area sensors are forecasting 65" and 57" respectively, ... Read more
West End Beach Park
Wilderness Snow Mountain
Bill Rose Park
Bill Rose Memorial Park
Truckee Regional Park